SOAP 01/06/2016; Proverbs 21:31

Today's reading: Genesis 15, 16, 17; Luke 6*

S) "³¹ The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But victory belongs to the Lord."

Proverbs 21:31 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 21
 

O) This verse shows an important link between the role we play in God's plans, and the role God has in those plans. There is a link, but there is also a distinction between the two. When going to battle, a cavalier will dress his horse for battle, making sure the correct armor is secured to his steed. He will be certain that he has the proper equipment of his own, securely packed on his animal (his shield, quiver, javelin, or even his standard, etc.). All of this preparation before he goes into battle is to prevent unwarranted risk to himself or his animal, to gain any advantage he might have in the fight. He is trying to be the best horseman he can be, in the fight he will fight. That's just on the day he rides, too. Even before that, there is a life's work of tending his horse in times of peace. There is the grooming, feeding, exercise, mating, and more. All of that behind the scenes type of responsibility. Even so, with all of this work that a man does to prepare for the day of battle, victory still belongs to the Lord. It is not the preparation, it is not the weaponry, it is not the manpower. Generals do not win wars, strategies do not win wars, environments do not win wars. Victory belongs to God. Now, there is a real question as to the scope of that kind of sovereignty. Does God truly determine the victor of every war waged in the history of the world? I don't know. This verse is not making a declaration on the extent of God's involvement in warfare. This verse is reminding us that all of our own efforts, individually, pale in comparison to the will of God. I've heard various military commanders talk about luck in battle, and the Bible certainly does not hold a narrative that chance is its own force. Quite the opposite, it shows us that God controls things that are out of our hands. So, maybe God decides the outcome of every war, maybe not. But, we can be certain that all of our own preparation will not decide victory, when that actually belongs to God.

A) For me, this verse is less about God's sovereignty and more about my responsibility. It's almost like I could read it, "Victory is God's, but the horse is still prepared for the fight." There are many areas in my life, where I have trusted in God's sovereignty, but that may have been turned into an unrighteous irresponsibility (like finances, or leading my wife, or health). Absolutely, I should trust God absolutely. God will win, but that doesn't mean I can neglect my horse.

P) Father, You are sovereign, and victory does belong to You. I know that in the end of the world's time, You will return in righteous judgment. I know that this world will be burned, and new creation is coming. In that sense, at least, I am not the determining factor in Your victory. Not by any measure. Even still, I also know that You have given me a role within Your kingdom. I have a citizenship that carries responsibilities. I don't want to neglect what I should be doing, under some false sense of security because I know that You will win. I know that a lot can be lost during the battle, even if You still hold the ultimate victory. So, open my eyes to see where I have been negligent. Discipline me, so that I am prompted to righteous behavior that prepares me for the fight, and honors You as Lord. Let Your will be done, and be glorified in my life. Thank You for Your mercy, and the grace You continue to work in me. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.